A string or ribbon by which tlie stocking is held upon the leg. The mark of the highest order of English knighthood, ranking next after the nobility. This milita-ry order of knighthood is said to have been first instituted by Richard I., at the siege of Acre, where he caused twenty-six kDights who firmly stood by him to wear thongs of blue leather about their legs. It is also said to have been perfected by Edward III. and to have received some alterations, which were